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Audio Reviews | November 15, 2012

These stories originally aired on satellite radio and on the web. The collection features six horror shorts: “Reincarnal” (reincarnated serial killer), “Wolf” (a modern-day werewolf story), and “A Good Head on His Shoulders” (a 1930s mob boss meets a Dr. Frankenstein type) are by Max Allan Collins; “A Fungus Among Us” (a fungus spreads by spores and creates zombies) by Steve Nubie; “The Late Shift” (you don’t want to meet these late-night workers) by Dennis Etchison; and “Living Space” (one apartment that is a really tight squeeze) by M.J. Elliott. Reminiscent of classic radio shows, the sound effects literally startle, scare, chill, and stun the listener. The sound is so real it’s scary, and the various casts of actors offer solid characterizations. The stories provide chilling surprises; host Malcolm McDowell is superb with his deep and somber voice. VERDICT Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys the horror genre or just likes a good scare.—Gloria Maxwell, Metropolitan Community Coll., Kansas City, MO

This second outing in le Carré’s George Smiley series finds the Cold War spy master not matching wits with the Russians but playing sleuth. When Ailsa Brimley, editor of the Christian Voice newspaper, receives a letter from a trusted contributor claiming that the woman’s teacher husband is planning to murder her, Ailsa asks old friend Smiley for assistance. When the woman is killed, Smiley travels to the Carne School in the British countryside to investigate. He quickly runs into a stone wall of well-meaning police who know nothing and snobbish schoolmasters who’ll say nothing, leaving him as puzzled as the listener. Narrator Michael Jayston delivers very subdued characterizations for the above-it-all Carne crew and is appropriately soft-spoken as the owlish Smiley. VERDICT As close to a cozy as le Carré gets, this title offers twists, turns, and dead ends aplenty that will keep listeners on the edge of their seats until the very last word. Mystery fans and even those expecting a spy story will be charmed. Solid all around and perfect commuter fare.—Mike Rogers, Library Journal

This comprehensive biography about the utterly delightful and talented Child is so much more than a typical life story. It is also a worthwhile look at segments of American history such as homesteading, gold mining, and banking. Readers are also treated to an excellent introduction to fine French cooking, which Child Americanized and made more palatable to our tastes. Child took on the previously all-male bastion of cooking, particularly in France, and got right to its core. For example, she spoke directly to the wives of French fishermen to learn what they put in their bouillabaisse. She also had an astonishing influence on public/educational television in its early days. Narrator Kimberly Farr’s lovely French pronunciation and her skillful presentation of Child’s humor and style make listeners feel that an “insider” is chatting to them about a fascinating and beloved celebrity. VERDICT Chefs, cooks, and those who love good food will savor this title. Viva la Julia! [The Doubleday hc was a New York Times best seller.—Ed.]—Susan Baird, formerly with Oak Lawn P.L., IL

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The following titles are reviewed in the November 15 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.